Article on Xavier High School, Manhattan, 1898

The College of St. Francis Xavier, on Fifteenth and Sixteenth Streets, west of Fifth avenue, Manhattan, is conducted by the Fathers of the Society of Jesus and is intended for day scholars only. The college was founded in 1847 and in 1861 was endowed by the regents of the University of the State of New York with full collegiate privileges. The college comprises three distinct departments— the graduate school, the college proper and the academic or preparatory school. In connection with the academic department is the St. Francis Xavier College Grammar School, in which boys are prepared for the academic department classes. The regular college course, which leads to the degree of bachelor of arts, comprises the usual four college classes and embraces a study of logic, metaphysics, natural theology, general ethics and the principles of social science; English, Latin, Greek, French and German; rhetoric, poetry and elocution; history, mathematics and the natural sciences. The study of either French or German in prescribed in the freshman year and courses in pedagogy and political economy were introduced into the course programme of the senior year in 1897. Especial stress is laid upon the importance of religious training, it being the belief of the college authorities that without religion there can be no true education. Hence, the Catechism of Christian Doctrine is a text book in every class of the collegiate and academic departments, lectures on it are given once a week and in all classes the day’s work begins and ends in prayer. Students are supposed to be exact and regular in attendance at class and lectures and “to conduct themselves at all times like Catholic gentlemen.”

NOTEXavier High School has been in existence since 1847, but the college had ceased to exist by the end of World War I. Its alumni include generals and admirals, political leaders, edcuators, and clergy. Today the school continues to turn out leaders for the Church and the world. Seen above are the military cadets, still a part of the school’s offerings. (Although today it is optional.)